Bucket Seat: GAC GS3 Emzoom R Style

GAC, the relatively new comer to the South African market has been established in the country for about a year now and one of the first cars they brought in was the GS3 hatchback. The popular one in the line up was the Emzoom R Style which is there "hot hatch" variant of the model. The car itself has grown popularity with the local market with quite a few being sold, it is a very attractive car as we will touch on the styling shortly but does the engine have enough grunt to substantiate its sport looks and appeal? I spend a few days with it to find out and here are my thoughts. 

DESIGN

If you like cars that make a statement, the Emzoom R-Style won’t disappoint, finished in Salt Lake Blue, the model was quite a looker with it commanding attention from everyone when I drove it. The R-Style trim pushes a dramatic, almost mecha-inspired look, with a large vertically-slatted grille, razor-sharp creases, pronounced wheel arches and orange contrast accents on the R-Style that emphasise sportiness. The rear treatment is similarly aggressive with a faux-diffuser and center-mounted twin exhaust outlets on the R-Style, styling cues that set it apart from conservative rivals. The overall effect is contemporary and polarising in equal measure: it stands out in traffic and on dealer lots. Practical details include retractable/electric door handles, 18” alloy wheels depending on spec, and a power tailgate on higher trims. The ride height and compact footprint keep city manoeuvrability while giving a confident road presence. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 130Kw and 270 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The spec combination gives the GS3 brisk acceleration that see's it accomplish a l 0–100 km/h time of around 8.0 seconds. The cars automatic gearbox selects sport mode when selecting drive and a further tap down then selects the normal drive gear, not sure if that is normal of a defect on the test car I had, but I found the accelerator extremely sensitive on the foot with the slight tap propelling the car forward like a jolt, this could be problematic in tight spots seeing that the car is so eager to go when in gear, it could be due to the dual clutch gearbox which normally show hesitation on take off so naturally it makes one tap the pedal harder.. On the move the Emzoom balances comfort and poise: reviewers report a taut but controlled suspension set-up especially on R-Style with grippier tyres, with neat steering feel. Several long-term and independent reviews mention slight DCT tip-in delay under certain conditions.  Fuel economy in the GS3’s is pretty high for a small hatch, which the combined claim sits around 6.2 L/100 km, I was averaging around 8L/100km, not sure if it was due to me driving in sports mode most of the time.  

COMFORT

Cabin space is surprisingly good for a car this size, the interior is extremely spacious and the seats very comfortable. The Emzoom’s wheelbase gives reasonable rear-seat legroom and a usable boot of about 341 L, comparable to class rivals. Front seats in higher trims are supportive and come with power adjustment for the driver; the panoramic roof  brightens the cabin but may slightly raise interior heat in SA’s summer  but still very cool option to have. The rear headroom is fine for the average adult, as normally with cars like this, many tend to bash their heads while getting in, you wont have that problem with the GS3.  Build quality and materials feel modern with soft-touch surfaces, leather or PVC leather options, and tidy switchgear. I particularly liked the clean center console with everything driver centric giving you a cockpit feel in the car. The car comes with a dual-screen layout with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen plus a digital instrument display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android mirroring, multiple USB ports (Type-A and C), wireless charging and a surround-view camera that is offered in the R-Style package. The system runs a modern-feeling UI and includes connected features where available. 

VERDICT

The GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style is a strong-value, feature-packed compact crossover that offers modern styling, genuine ADAS safety credentials and a compelling ownership package, notably the lifetime engine warranty for first owners. For South African buyers who prioritise kit, tech and safety over brand conservatism or who want a car that looks different from the usual suspects the Emzoom is a very attractive proposition and arguably one of the best value buys in the B-SUV segment right now. If you do lots of inner-city crawl traffic, test-drive the R-Style to judge the DCT behaviour for yourself and compare seat comfort over a longer route.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.5L Turbo
Gear Box	7-Speed DCT
Torque	270Nm
Power	130kW
0-100km	8 seconds
Price	R489,900

 

Bucket Seat: 2023 BMW X1 18d

BMW's entry level SUV the X1 had its 3rd generation introduced to the market at the end of last year, with the launch taking place earlier this year. Having attended the launch and sampling both, the petrol and diesel variants, I was quite impressed what it had to offer. The X1 hasn't been the best selling X model but it has its place in the market and with the previous generation made decent inroads in sales for its segment competition, I foresee a greater interest with this model as for me, the competition have been playing slack when it comes to the entry level models, cutting corners and not even giving the end user a premium product that is associated with the badge. After spending a week with the new X1, it really gave me a great impression of what the brand is doing as a whole with their new focus and trends on upcoming models. 

DESIGN

The new X1 looks stunning, while the previous models always had some err's about their design, I can honestly say this one is a beauty. My favourite angle to view it from is side on, while its not the biggest, the lines and curves give it so much presence that it looks bigger than it actually is. The front gets the new X look with larger twin kidney grille with is finished in brushed aluminium, this is standard across all lines, be it the M Sport, xLine or Signature trims. The one I had was in a metallic Utah Orange paint with 19-inch V-spoke Bicolour Black Grey, gloss lathed rims that really gave the car another dimension with the added detail. The new headlights straight edge angular that follow the lines of the front bumper and hood, with the adaptive LED matrix tech adding more detail with the upside down L shapes that feature the day time running lights on the car. Depending on the trim, the front diffuser changes to suit, with the xLine have a more pronounced curved styling with brushed aluminium accents and details which include a center skid plate in the front and rear of the car. These brush aluminium details also include side plates which give a tri-colour look to the side. I love the little things in the design of the new X1, the revised door handles which are blended in to the body, the new tail lights which have a really cool pattern embedded in them and way the roof line has that gentle gradient  just adds to the character of the X1. 

PERFORMANCE

While the badge read 18d, the X1 diesel is still powered by a 2.0-litre Turbo Charged diesel motor which produces 110kW and 360Nm of torque. For its size and weight, the motor propels the X1 off the line at quite a speed recording a 0-100km/h speed of 8.9 seconds. But performance on this type of vehicle doesn't mean its speed or how fast it can take a corner but rather pulling power with a load, fuel consumption and urban driving comforts which the X1 excels in every aspect. The urban consumption figures on the brochure read 4.5L per 100km but I managed to get around 5.6 which isn't terrible considering I was doing highway driving as well. With the 54-litre fuel tank, I managed to get just over 650km from a single tank of fuel. Even though the X1 in the xLine trim came fitted with 19-inch rims, the ride quality was very comfortable on any surface. The new design BMW steering wheel felt good in hand and general handling of the car was very good no matter the speed or surface you were traveling on. 

COMFORT

While the X1 has grown ever so slightly from its predecessor, it does feel a lot bigger with loads more head room. This coming from a tall person says a lot about the design of the interior from BMW. Speaking of which, it comes with the new styled interior which BMW will be rolling out in all of the X range. The X1 comes with the new curved screen dual display, as mentioned before, a new design steering wheel, a floating center console which doubles as an arm rest with hidden storage under the cushion. The center console also has the new mini gear selector and driving mode selector. Under the floating arm rest is more storage as well as USB ports. The X1 has dual zone climate control for the driver and passengers.  The rear passenger seats receive a new design which make it much more comfortable for 3 people to sit on the semi bench styled seat with a 40:20:40 split for the extension of the luggage hole. The modern design in the cabin extends to even the door panels with edgy designs that is contrasted in various materials from aluminium, plastic, leather and suede. It really adds great dimension to the overall look of the interior. The car comes with wireless connectivity for mobile apps which set up automatically once the bluetooth is activated giving you seamless integration. If you prefer to use the normal BMW OS, you'll be please to know that you will be receiving the latest version of it and with the ease of reach from the drivers seat, the infotainment screen is fully touch screen and there is no iDrive jog shuttle controls for it. The new BMW Maps with Connected navigation has Augmented Reality directions so it displays arrows when you need to take a turn or off ramp. 

VERDICT

The BMW X1 is feature packed in terms of tech and safety, with its modern and stylish looks along with the host of textures, trims and rims to choose from, you can really spec your desired one to be totally different from the next. The overall driving experience is a good one, it feels like a better build that most of the other competitors in the market. I know this car is newly launched but it just feels mile a head of the rest and that should be the case, as its setting the standard for compact SUV's and BMW were the first to introduce this size to the market. While you won't get the same sporty performance type drive of a normal BMW, the X1 does well to fit into its roll as a family orientated recreational vehicle that is also super good to look at. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2-litre, 3-cylinder  Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	Steptronic with double clutch
Torque	360Nm
Power	110W
0-100km/h	8.9 seconds
Price	R805,616.50*

*base price with xLine Trim

 

Bucket Seat: Volvo XC40 - R Design

When it comes to cars, the Swedes always tended to do things differently in their own unique way and while most of the world never really got to grasp with their cars, those who did own them, knew what they were on about. Volvo in particular we leads in passenger safety and then the stepped up a notch and also made their cars safe for pedestrians, how so you may ask? Well on certain models they design the crumple zones to minimize injury to a person if he was being hit by one of their vehicles, weird but you got to hand it to them for thinking about everybody. Going back to safety for their own passengers, the XC90 won the title as the worlds safest car and apart from that award, the XC90 was  a major car for the brand, as it ushered in a new dawn for cars that were to follow. Volvo sort of lost track with the styling and consumer appeal with their cars for a bit, and a drastic change was needed to get the brand recognised again. 

Apart from just building an attractive car, it had to be up their competing with the best in the world in terms of engine performance while still being eco-friendly and have all the technology that others offer. The XC90 not only ticked all those boxes but did it style, finesse all while keeping to that legendary Swedish heritage. Not long ago I got to sample a spin off model from the XC90, a baby version of it if I may call it that, the XC40. Although my time with the car was short, it was my first experience with the new generation Volvo's and it left me flabbergasted as to what it had to offer. 

DESIGN

Looking at it from the outside, one could sit stare at it for hours on end. It's contemporary design is fresh and modern which not only gets heads turning while you drive past them but it can also fit in with modern day architecture so well. It's almost like a showpiece where you can have it parked off in your lounge and it would look like part of the decor. The combination of straight lines, contours and beveled edges really add character to the XC40 while key design elements iconic to Volvo still stand out like the L shaped rear lights and the grille with some new features which will form part of future designs from the brand. I had the R-Design kit on this particular model which is Volvo's sport package for their cars, easy ways to identify this is the large 20" 5 spoke split rims, and the two tone paint work with the roof being finished in black with the rest of the car in white with black accents. The contemporary styling also flows into the cabin with everything looking fresh and modern. One striking thing about the interior is that it was orange in colour, well not all of it, just the lower half which I found quite quirky but it worked! This car is the baby of the crossover line up and it looks to be playful so I'm glad that also transcends into the colours available for it. 

PERFORMANCE

I had the D4 AWD model XC40 which is the only diesel variant available, with the cost of fuel, it would be the preferred engine for the consumer. The power output on the 2 litre motor is quite decent with it delivering 140kW with 190 Bhp and 400Nm of torque waiting to get you off the mark. So as you can imagine the XC40 isn't a slouch and while it might be a bit bulky, navigating it is pretty easy, too easy if you ask me. The first thing you notice on the car is how light the steering is, it's like you get power steering then you get Volvo's super power steering! I could legit use 1 finger to turn it. Handling on the XC40 is exceptional, whether you're going around town or on the open road, the XC40 makes the most of the road in front of it. I even did some light off roading with it, which didn't break a sweat for it, eating up the gravel and leaving a big trail of dust behind. 

COMFORT

Sticking with the awards, Volvo's V90 won the most comfortable seat award recently and I can tell you the XC40 seats and pretty darn comfy as well. While the car is the smallest crossover offered by Vovlo, they do not compromise on comfort. The cabin is spacious for every individual that is in it. The ride quality is pretty great as well, even with the car riding on 20" rims this doesn't influence any cabin noise or compromise the ride comfort. The cabin is completely air-conditioned with dual climate control for the front passengers and the rear having their own vents. the car came with a 600W 14 speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System which made any song sound exceptional in the car. I keep coming back to the design of the car because its a design that works and works well, everything is thought of and functional, that's ultimately what you want in a car interior and full marks to Volvo for getting this right. 

TECHNOLOGY

Where do I start? Lets go with the obvious, the massive screen that sits in the dash, this is the brain of the car. Fully touch screen interactive menu lets you control just about everything in the car. With most of it controlled by this, it uncluttered the rest of the dash. It does seem daunting at first but it can be made more easier with you customizing the screen for your convenience. The big screen comes handy when parking, while it did come with the auto park feature, the XC40 also has 4 cameras around the car to give you a birds eye view of your surroundings when getting in out of tricky spaces. One of the main talking points about the new Volvo's is the Pilot Assist, which is as close to autonomy as you can get. Coupled with the adaptive cruise control, you can set the speed you want to go at and the car will do the driving for you. It monitors the cars around you and is alert to dangers that may spring out. Seeing it in action is quite an experience, having the car take full control and slowing down while maintaining a safe following distance to the car in front is spell binding to say the least. Other key safety teach features include lane keeping aid, run-off mitigation, oncoming lane mitigation, city safety and many others which are too long to list. 

VERDICT

Overall the XC40 exceeds it's reputation in the market and really is one of the better compact SUV's you can buy. The features the car comes with coupled by the brilliant design and technology offered is hard to find another that can come close to match it in terms of pricing. While the model I had does raise a few eyebrows when mentioned the actual cost, you have to understand that all the options were ticked in this spec and if you had to spec a competitor model with the same extras you would be paying a lot more. While Volvo are trying to take some market share from their German competitors, models like the XC40 are not going to do them any harm, with the SA market taking a liking to the XC90 and the S90, future models like the S60 and the new XC60 will only strengthen their cause. This is one brand to be on the look out for going forward, I hope we get some of their Polestar models at some stage too. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2L Four-cylinder turbo charged disel
Gear Box	8 Speed Geartronic Automatic AWD
Power	140kW
Torque	400Nm
0-100km	7.9 seconds
Economy	5.7 L/100km
Price	R 494,400*

*Excluding extras

Pictures by @MVRC1988

Bucket Seat: Lexus NX300

The Lexus NX was the Japanese luxury car manufacturers answer to the much popular compact SUV market. With the market already being dominated by the luxury German brands, Lexus knew that it wont be an easy feat for them but credit to them, they took on the challenge and while it might not be the most popular SUV on the road, they do sell their fair share of them. With the Toyota heritage, you know you're not just getting a raised car but a proper SUV, and while it might not have full off-roading capabilities, it  will do more than just hop a curb. I got given the updated NX300 F-Sport to drive around with for a week, having seen it often on the road I was quite excited to see what it had to offer. While certain elements did surprise me about the car, it still stays true to form as every Lexus does. 

DESIGN

In 2009 Lexus changed it's design language and introduced the world to "L-Finesse Design". it is compromised by two ideas; leading-edge and finesse and was showcased in the LF-Ch concept. It was uncharacteristic from the company, as they always played the safe, conservative card when it came to their designs, in fact many labelled them as "boring" but these was anything but boring! The lines, the edges, the sleekness of the overall package just left people astounded but it was a concept so how much of this would translate into the production models? Well a lot if it! From the IS, RC, LX, RX and the recently launched LC, Lexus has changed the way people see their brand, its exciting, cutting edge and futuristic. Much is the same with the NX, the lines on this car sometimes seem impossible but some how they've done, and done it with style.  When I got the NX, I tweeted some pictures and said, "I'm driving the best looking compact SUV on the road at the moment" and no one disagreed. 

No matter what angle you look at the NX, it is perfection, the F-Sport guise which I had, gives the model more character with the large spindle grille and the brushed aluminium front sill which ties along the front. The split head lamps with LED day time running lights below just add to the flamboyance of the design. Another great thing about Lexus is the paint offerings, with a car like this, no ordinary paint will make it stand out, so the range they have available really elevated the design in every possible way. I was driving a White Quartz which is almost like a pearl white but with more sheen. It's sparkles in minimal light and you can watch it for hours catching the suns rays which it transform colour throughout the day. The large 18" alloy wheels were finished in a dark metal, which accentuates the car and adds to the aggressive look. While being modern and futuristic the entire package works well and ties up quite nicely in the rear with a clean but edgy look. The Side profile is rather attractive too, with big wheel arches showing off that raised suspension. 

PERFORMANCE

When the NX was first introduced, it came in the NX300 which was naturally aspirated, later on, the NX200t was introduced, sporting a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine, in the latest upgrade the NX300 badge is re-introduced but with the turbo engine, which in my opinion is the right way to go. While the purist might appreciate naturally aspirated engines, in the type of driving people do on the regular, turbos make a whole lot more sense and also brings down that fuel economy figure. The NX is a big car, so don't be mistaken by the the "compact", part of its description, it competes with the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, if you comparing it to its sister company, you could probably say this is a more luxurious version of the Rav-4. The engine is a breakthrough for Lexus as they say it is their first Eco Turbo engine, where by the cylinder head is integrated with the exhaust manifold along with the twin scroll turbocharger which is a worlds first in this combination. This achieves 235 bhp,  175kW and 350Nm of torque. The turbo lag is almost non existent, so much so you might think there isn't a turbo in there. The torque does help a lot in this aspect of the car, it is also a well balanced vehicle, so around bends or in a straight line, it gives the driver confidence in what they're doing. 

COMFORT

Moving onto the inside of the car, the design follows the same lines as the outside with more quirky styling and a protruding but sculpted center console, which for some might not be their cup of tea but it works. There's a nice mixture of textures and fabrics on the interior that makes it inviting and comfortable to be in. The brushed aluminium and chrome aspects shout out the sportiness of the F-Sport but the elements of class are brought in with the analogue clock placed high up just below the aircon vents. Ride quality on the NX is quite soft, not as smooth as the bigger Lexus SUV offerings but that could also be down to the large rims on the car but for everyday driving it could rival any German competitor. The car comes with dual climate control air-conditioning as well as seat warmers and coolers for the front occupants. In the rear, there is ample space for the passengers with good height room, given the shape of the car I thought it would be a bit tight but it was more than adequate. The boot space is quite generous as well and the automatic tailgate means there's no stretching to close the lid when you're done. 

TECHNOLOY

The NX might not be packed with tech options like some other brands but what it does offer is a lot of the compulsory stuff as standard and not something you need to tick off on a sheet. That was always the difference with Lexus, while their prices might seem a bit steep when comparing to other vehicles in its class, a big mistake people would do is compare the Lexus which is fully stocked to a base model of another brand. Some of the standard tech for me is the LED lights which in this day and age is a must, the smart entry system works really well with it doubling as a proximity sensor so the car when locked recognizes when you're near it and unlocks for you, don't worry if you're nearby and someone else tries to open the door, it won't open.  The large 10.3" multimedia display is quite easy on the eye but the touch pad might take a while to get used to. I watched a review on the LS500 where they said, the only reason we find it tricky to use is because we're not used to it, and they were 100% correct. After 4 days or so, you kind get to know what you're doing with it. Some of the driver support systems like Hill assist control kicks in automatically, so when taking off from a stand still on a hill, the electronic brake holds the car in place until there is enough momentum to move forward. AI shift control technology works well when in Sports mode which enables sporty shifting in accordance with the driving conditions which provides excellent acceleration. 

VERDICT

Apart from its great looks the NX300 F-Sport is really a good package, it delivers what it promises and you won't be disappointed. While the alternative options in the market might have some differences that make you want to change your mind, all you have to do is put them side by side, and you can see why you'll stand out more in this car. The great thing about compact SUV's is that it can be used for so much more than just road trips and light off-roading, with many choosing this segment of cars, it pushes brands to make their vehicles appealing, so like the NX you're going to get more luxury, more sportiness, more technology in them and for me the NX already ticks all those boxes and is a perfect all-rounder. While the acclaimed fuel consumption is 7.1, you will average around 9 in city driving which again is not that bad when comparing to other cars in the segment, its a pity Lexus doesn't offer a diesel variant but there is a Hybrid model available and it isn't that much more expensive. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0 Litre tubro
Gear Box	6 Speed Auto
Power	175kW
Torque	350Nm
Top Speed	200km/h (electronically governed)
Economy	7.1 L/100km
Price	R797,500